There are many ways to get involved in your community by donating your time. Whether it’s a long-term situation or a one-time event, there are many organizations within Clarion County that would appreciate your dedication to serve.

If you are aware of an organization or group looking for volunteers or always accepting new people to help, feel free to contact the webmaster to be included within this list.

Friends of Cook Forest
Assist Cook Forest State Park with various projects which are unable to be completed by due to lack of time, manpower or funding. Past projects include rebuilding a canoe launch, designing & replacing signage on the Cook Trail, creation of a Sensory Trail for those with physical or sensory challenges-just to name a few. The group helped raise funding for bridge replacement and for HWA (hemlock woolly adelgid).  Currently, the group is raising funds to replace the playground equipment at Ridge Campground-which will include inclusive play making the playground ADA compliant. The group schedules litter pick-up as part of Adopt-a-Highway twice a year, clean the park bridges yearly-and offer fun events as well to the community. Their mission statement is: Continuing the legacy of preservation and conservation of Cook Forest State Park.

Red Cross
Among the vast number of services the Red Cross offers, the organization is looking for volunteers for two positions; Blood Donor Ambassador and Disaster Action Team. Blood Donor Ambassador should be able to volunteer for a minimum of one six-hour shift per month on a week day at a location and shift of their choice. Disaster Action Team members should be able to fulfill one shirt per month.

North Country Trail
The North Country Trail is a 4.600 mile trail which runs through seven states. Of that, 96 miles winds its way through Clarion County. The NCT Clarion County Chapter takes care of this portion by clearing brush, cutting fallen trees blocking the path and even build bridges for hikers.

Redbank Valley Trails
This 51-mile trail on the southern edge of Clarion County and into Jefferson County is managed year-round primarily by volunteers. Groups and individuals are welcomed to adopt a segment of the trail and keep it clean, trimmed and clear for fellow hikers.

Fire Departments
Fire departments offer service which one everyone relies on and expects will arrive within minutes during many types of emergency situations. According to a report released in 2018, a study found Pennsylvania had approximately 300,000 volunteer firefighters during the 1970s. Today, there are approximately 38,000 firefighters left in the state. If you are interested or have more questions, follow the link to contact your local fire department.

PennDOT Adopt and Beautify
Throughout PennDOT District 10, which is comprised of Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Indiana, and Jefferson Counties, many small locations need attention to make and keep them looking beautiful. PennDOT’s Adopt & Beautify program is looking for individuals or groups who care enough to landscape areas in need of a makeover by designing and installing flowerbeds, to weed and fertilize when needed, and to keep their adopted area looking nice overall. Joining Adopt and Beautify allows individuals to keep active, show creativity and contribute to the community and the larger environment.

Clarion County's Promise
There is always rooms for volunteers. Programs such as the Baby Basket program depend on volunteers for success. Volunteer work could be as little or as much as you'd like. Details on volunteer work can be acquired by calling the office. Opportunities depend on projects going on at the time.

Friends of the Clarion Free Library
The Friends of the Clarion Free Library is a member-supported nonprofit organization that advocates, fundraises, and provides support for the Clarion Free Library. The organization works to increase community awareness of the library, raise monies incremental to the budget, promote our library as a source of knowledge and enrichment, and foster a love of reading and books. Annual events include the Chili Cook-Off and Guest Bartender Fundraiser as well as a used book sale in front of the Library during ALF. Volunteers are needed to help plan, set-up, and run events, and to provide energy and ideas at meetings. Volunteers meet the first Monday of every month at 6:30 pm at the Clarion Free Library. Follow us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ClarionFreeLibraryFriends. 

Clarion County Literacy Council
The Clarion County Literacy Council offers individualized instruction in basic reading, math, English as a Second Language, GED tutoring, and specific testing such as cosmetology, truck driving and driver’s exam. If you are interested in volunteering your time to help educate others, call or visit the Literacy Council located on the bottom floor of the Clarion Free Library, 644 Main Street, Clarion, PA 16214 or call (814) 226-4626.

Clarion PAWS
Do you love cats? How about caring for cats? Clarion PAWS (Pet Adoption and Welfare Society) located in Shippenville on River Hill could use your help caring for the cats and kittens waiting for adoption. Clarion PAWS also has a program for foster families willing to take in displaced animals while they wait for a new home and educational programs for school children and interested adults.

Big Brothers Big Sisters
BBBS provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to1 relationships that change the children’s lives for the better, forever. Begin a Big Brother or Big Sister gives the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering him or her to achieve. This goal is met by enjoying activities with your Little, such as playing sports, go on a hike, eat pizza with everything on top or just giving some advice and inspiration.

Clarion County YMCA
For those interested in sports and social recreation, Clarion County YMCA depends on dedicated people to help lead, coach and/or assist different programs.

Garden Club of Clarion County
Founded in 1929, The Garden Club of Clarion County offers many varied opportunities to become involved in the community. The group focusses on the cleanup and beautification of its garden at the western approach of the Clarion River Bridge on US Rt. 322, at the Blue Star Memorial Marker in Clarion at the corner of Main Street and 5th Avenue and at various community gardens throughout the county. New club members may also volunteer to help plant annuals at Clarion Hospital’s Cancer Center. The group meets at noon on the second Tuesday from April through October. The location of the venue varies from month to month. For more information, contact Kay Ishman at (724) 526-5960 or Shirley at (724) 526-3578.